Virginia, town in central South Africa, in central Free State Province, 140 km (90 mi) northeast of Bloemfontein, the provincial capital. Virginia lies along the banks of the Sand River. The town is close to some of the largest gold fields in Free State, and its economy is dominated by mining, gold-extraction plants, and the manufacture of sulfuric acid from gold ore. Commercial farms in the surrounding area primarily grow maize (corn) and raise livestock. Virginia is located on the main rail line between Bloemfontein and Johannesburg.
Virginia was founded in 1854 after gold was discovered in the region. Virginia was proclaimed a municipality in 1912. Population (1991) 17,855 plus 20,039 in the adjacent black township of Meloding.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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